Satellite Healthcare is a successful, nonprofit organization that has improved the lives of people living with kidney disease since 1973. We earn our national reputation for excellent patient care each day by offering a complete range of dialysis therapy choices, personalized clinical services, and unparalleled wellness education.

Satellite Healthcare provides expert, personalized kidney care at over 80 centers across the U.S. as well as at acute dialysis locations in California and Texas. Learn more about Satellite Healthcare at www.satellitehealth.com .

The Acute Dialysis Nurse (Acute Nurse) is responsible for the delivery of safe, quality care of dialysis treatments under indirect supervision in accordance with state law and policies and procedures. The Acute Nurse is required to make independent decisions using professional nursing knowledge. The Acute Nurse directs, assists, and is the primary resource for the Acute Patient Care Technician (Acute PCT) providing direct services to the patients.

Major Duties:

1. Understands basic renal function and the consequences of renal failure. In addition, understands the underlying disease processes contributing to necessary dialytic and related therapies. Provides, directs, and supervises the care of the patients undergoing hemodialysis, CRRT, peritoneal dialysis, and other therapeutic treatment modalities supported by the Acute Dialysis Program. In addition, shows an awareness of the general course of all patients on treatment.

2. Provides direction and education to the Acute PCTs under their supervision.

3. Uses professional discretion in critical or emergency situations and directs the necessary intervention. Recognizes changes in patient's condition on dialysis and makes necessary adjustments in their therapy. Notifies the physician in a timely manner, providing the appropriate information, and implements physician's orders.

4. Makes assignments, when working with Acute PCTs, based on priorities for patient care and skill level of the staff. Consistently reviews and evaluates patient priorities as changes occur in the condition of the patient or facility. Directs Acute PCTs in work assignments to address these changes. Revises patient schedule and assignments for maximum efficiency on a daily basis.

5. Delegates functions to others as needed to comply with management objectives. Assures that all tasks necessary for the safe, smooth, and efficient operation of the unit are completed.

6. Communicates significant information to the physicians, hospital staff, and case managers in a clear, concise and accurate manner.

7. Policies & Procedures

a. Is knowledgeable and provides oversight in compliance with policies and procedures. Understands the consequences associated with failing to follow company procedures.

b. Makes recommendations for changes in policies and procedures for improvement of patient care or staff compliance.

c. Effectively communicates with staff and patients regarding changes or new policies and procedures.

8. Provides assistance to patients and/or staff in problem resolution, and has the ability to make decisions based on nursing knowledge and compliance with policies & procedures. Maintains accountability for independent decisions.

9. Documents in a clear, concise and thorough manner. Ensures staff documents thoroughly and completes documentation in both manual and online medical records.

10. Verifies the accuracy of all orders during treatment and either implements them or delegates appropriate staff to deliver the care.

11. Infection Control

a. Understands and adheres to all infection control policies and procedures and provides instructions to co-workers as needed. Understands the consequences associated with failing to follow those procedures.

b. Wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

c. Follows all clean/dirty procedures in order to eliminate cross-contamination.

d. Proper procedure for cannulation using aseptic technique for needle insertion, catheter care* and all other required procedures.

Special note: * Has documented training in the care and procedures for patients with central lines catheters. Delegates such procedures only to those who have completed adequate training and it is within their scope of practice.

12. Understands and teaches principles of medication administration and possible side effects. Administers and ensures that medications are given as ordered with correct technique.

13. Laboratory Work

a. Obtains laboratory specimens as ordered.

14. Demonstrates an understanding of the implications of common lab results as they apply to the ESRD patient. Ensures that laboratory specimens are obtained as ordered, and confers with physician about abnormal findings.

15. Understands the basic legal consequences of nursing actions both immediate and long-term.

16. Promotes the education of patients and their understanding of the disease and its treatment.

a. Accurately assesses patient's readiness to learn.

b. Plans and implements appropriate teaching method for each patient.

c. Evaluates the patient's learning progress.

d. Assists other staff members in developing these skills.

17. Participates in dialysis call schedule as assigned.

18. Demonstrates the ability to assume the day-to-day functions of the Clinical Manager in their absence, i.e. staffing, patient assignments, etc.

Standard Duties:

1. Assumes responsibility for special Acute projects as directed by the Clinical Manager.

4. Ensures the confidentiality of patient and employee information according to HIPAA and polices and procedures.

Minimum QualificationsAny combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying

Education: Graduation from an accredited nursing school or equivalent; BSN preferred.

Experience: One (1) year dialysis nursing experience preferred.

License/Certification(s): Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice; current CPR certification; Nephrology certification within one (1) year of eligibility to take test.

Internal Number: 18-0760

About Satellite Healthcare

Satellite Healthcare – Improving the Lives of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)In 1973, Norman S. Coplon, M.D. began Satellite Healthcare with the objective of improving the quality of life of his dialysis patients. Dr. Coplon established Satellite Healthcare as a not-for-profit, community benefit organization, which allows us to focus primarily on patients.Four decades later, Satellite Healthcare has shaped CKD healthcare in our industry, and continues to elevate the standards of patient care and innovation.Today, we provide a range of expert services to patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Satellite strives to individualize each patient's care to help him or her enjoy their life to the fullest.Satellite Dialysis — We operate 40 high-quality, state-of-the-art, patient-friendly dialysis centers that meet the long-term clinical needs of more than 4,000 CKD patients.Satellite WellBound — With more than 20 centers in place, we focus on personalized training and support for patients performing dialysis at home. In addition, WellBound provides a robust complement of pre-dialysis patient wellness education programs that can help prevent or slow the progression of early st...age CKD.At each of our centers, we put our patients first by providing:Compassionate care with a personalized touchWellness education to empower longer, healthier livesBest clinical practices resulting in outcomes that consistently exceed industry performance standards Opportunities for nephrologists to focus on their patients in comfortable, state-of-the-art environmentsIn addition to patient care, our clinical research division works on finding medical breakthroughs for CKD patients by conducting both internal and external research.For more information, contact Info@SatelliteHealth.com.